North Barrington mulls annexation of 65 acres

North Barrington officials are considering annexation of a 65-acre development containing an already-built equestrian center and up to seven houses that are yet to come.

Early opposition from some neighbors outside the village was somewhat soothed by details of the Old Barrington Farm project revealed at a public hearing Wednesday.

These neighbors feared North Barrington's control of the land could cause density far higher than the minimum 5-acre lots they've come to expect.

But only one of the homes will be on a lot half an acre smaller than the norm.

"We're holding them to that," said Jane Papadimitrio, a North Barrington resident who owns land in the adjoining unincorporated area.

Village Administrator Kathy Nelander said the entire development has already been approved by Lake County officials. The developers are now seeking annexation and approval from North Barrington, since the site is within 11/2 miles of the village border and village officials would have a legal say on the project anyway.

The site is west of Route 59 and north of Cuba Road.

Papadimitrio said she and her neighbors were concerned not only about density, but that other property owners could be forcibly annexed into the village to make Old Barrington Farm contiguous.

At Wednesday's public hearing, they were told that only one resident's property would be needed, and that his land would be allowed to stay under the county restrictions only, until it is next sold.

Neighbors also are concerned about drainage for the surrounding properties and that the equestrian center doesn't evolve into a major commercial use that would generate a lot of traffic.

The hearing was continued to the village board's next meeting at 7:30 p.m. June 24.

After the public hearings are concluded, the proposal will go to the plan commission for review and a recommendation to the village board.

Because of the timeline of the review process, it doesn't appear that the developers are expecting to do any work on the proposed homes during this year's construction season, Nelander said.